With hardly a day passing without reports of declining alcohol consumption – and new legislation accelerating rather than slowing the trend – the lower-alcohol category has emerged as one of the most promising areas for the future of the drinks industry.
When compared with spirits and beer, however, the wine sector has been lagging behind in the no- and low-alcohol race. Its characteristic conservatism, coupled with the significant technical challenges of producing lower-ABV or alcohol-free wines with a pleasing flavor profile, has kept progress slow.
Until recently, that is.
"We're seeing strong and growing demand for lighter drinking options, particularly among younger consumers who are more mindful of moderation and well-being," says Carles Escolar, winemaking and production manager at Raimat, the Costers del Segre–based winery owned by leading Catalan group Raventós Codorníu, which recently launched a range of 8 percent ABV bottlings.
One of a growing cohort of voices in the industry, Escolar sees the mid-strength category as wine's most promising opportunity to gain ground in the no- and low-alcohol race – and to inject much-needed vitality into a sector struggling with sharply declining consumption volumes.
While 0.0- and 0.5-percent wines cater well to those avoiding alcohol altogether, they often face resistance from traditional wine drinkers who wish to moderate their intake without compromising on taste or the essence of wine itself. For these drinkers, mid-strength wines offer the ideal middle ground, combining moderation with the complexity, aromas, and character that define wine.
"These wines offer a balanced alternative, lower in alcohol yet still 'authentic' in taste," Escolar says. "The category is poised for significant growth, as it aligns with global moderation trends and creates new consumption occasions for wine."
A change of mindset
Recent regulatory changes have added momentum to the category.
In the EU, for instance, member states are now authorized to dealcoholize wines with a geographical indication (GI) down to a minimum of 0.5 percent ABV. While highly significant for EU nations themselves, this move signals a fundamental shift in mindset towards broader acceptance of the category worldwide.
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